The Mount Vernon School District Collective Bargaining Agreement: Everything You Need to Know
The Mount Vernon School District is one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the state of Washington. With a student population of over 10,000, the district employs hundreds of teachers, support staff, and administrators. To manage the workforce, the district has entered into a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Mount Vernon Education Association (MVEA), the union that represents teachers and other certificated employees.
What is a Collective Bargaining Agreement?
A collective bargaining agreement is a contract between an employer and a union that governs the terms and conditions of employment of the unionized workforce. The agreement covers a wide range of issues, including wages, benefits, working hours, job duties, grievance procedures, and other matters related to employment. The goal of collective bargaining is to achieve a mutually acceptable agreement that meets the needs of both parties.
The Mount Vernon School District`s CBA
The Mount Vernon School District`s CBA is a comprehensive document that covers all aspects of teachers` employment. The agreement is renegotiated every few years, and the current agreement is in effect from September 1, 2019, through August 31, 2022. The agreement is available on the district`s website and is open to public inspection.
Some of the key provisions of the agreement include:
Wages: The starting salary for a first-year teacher with a bachelor`s degree is $52,712, and it increases each year based on experience and education. The maximum salary for a teacher with a master`s degree and 16 years of experience is $99,151.
Benefits: The district provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as retirement benefits.
Workload: Teachers are expected to work 7.5 hours per day, with a maximum of 180 days per year. The agreement also provides for preparation time, collaboration time, and other non-teaching duties.
Professional Development: The district provides opportunities for professional development, including workshops, conferences, and continuing education courses.
Grievance Procedures: The agreement includes a detailed grievance procedure to address disputes between teachers and the district. The procedure includes several steps, including informal discussions, mediation, and arbitration.
Conclusion
The Mount Vernon School District`s collective bargaining agreement is a complex document that governs the terms and conditions of employment for hundreds of teachers and other certificated employees. The agreement reflects the needs and concerns of both the district and the union and provides a framework for a productive and effective working relationship. As the district continues to evolve and grow, the CBA will play a critical role in ensuring that teachers are fairly compensated and supported in their important work of educating students.
